Guardians of the Galaxy Cover Reveal

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Meet the crew that will save the cosmos... again.

By Richard George

Over the past year, IGN Comics has brought you the latest and greatest in comic book art. Whether debuting Conquest covers or Ultimates, when we see something stunning, we want to share it with our readers.

Today we have something a little different. A couple months back, an interview on Marvel.com slipped that the Guardians of the Galaxy series would be returning to Marvel's ever-growing cosmic franchise. Being that we've run a number of features on Conquest in the past few months, the publisher asked if we'd be interested in running some exclusive features about the series. Of course we thought that would be a good idea.

So here's how this is going to work - today we're bringing you the exclusive debut of Clint Langley's cover to the first issue along with a brief Q&A with editor Bill Rosemann. In the very near future (we're planning on this week), we have interviews scheduled with the creative team of the series - Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning and Paul Pelletier. Wrapping things up, we also have a Behind the Cover feature scheduled with Langley, looking at his recent Conquest work and featuring a breakdown of his Guardians cover.

Does all that sound like a pretty good way to kick off some post-Conquest excitement? Though Marvel's second galactic rumble isn't done yet, there's plenty to look forward to once the Ultron epic wraps its violent party.

Enough of that, let's get to our Q&A with Bill Rosemann - you'll find the cover tucked into our conversation.

IGN Comics: Guardians of the Galaxy – longtime comics fans are no doubt familiar with this name, but newer fans probably aren't. For those who lack cosmic Marvel knowledge, who were the Guardians and who are they now?

Bill Rosemann: The Guardians of the Galaxy have been, and will continue to be, a team of amazingly talented, brave and diverse heroes banded together to fight oppression and evil in all its forms throughout the universe.

If you're a veteran reader, your knowledge and love of the original squad will be rewarded. But if you're new to the Conquest scene, fear not! Do you like all the crazy characters who have appeared in Annihilation: Conquest and Nova? Dig team books? Ready to see Rocket Raccoon bring the heavy hammer of justice down on the heads of intergalactic scumbags? Okay, then we've saved you a seat!

Guardians of the Galaxy #1IGN Comics: Marvel has traditionally had a relatively small cosmic franchise presence. After Annihilation we had Nova, and after Conquest we now have Guardians. What made the time right to add another ongoing series to the cosmic roster?

Rosemann: The readers made the time right. Their response to books like Star-Lord, Nova and Conquest showed that if the right mix of characters and creators comes together, there's more room in the sci-fi playground.

Plus, by the end of Conquest, our motley crew of heroes – that is, those who survive and/or are still willing to stand against the darkness – have stepped up their game. They've proven their heart through the fires of war -- their time is now.

IGN Comics: Given the Skrull element, Secret Invasion almost begs for these characters to be involved… are there any editorial plans to bring Nova, Star-Lord and the others into the event?

IGN Comics: When gathering your creative team for this series, how did you go about selecting your writers and artists – Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning, Paul Pelletier and Clint Langley?

Rosemann: Given the vision and velocity they brought to Nova and Conquest, Dan & Andy (a.k.a. DnA, a.k.a. They Who Must Not Be Named) were the go-to guys to continue the cosmic action on full throttle. And while Paul Pelletier was kicking butt on Nova – just wait until you see issues #11 and #12 – we all realized he had the perfect mix of eye-candy and grit to launch us out of the stargate. As for Clint Langley, people are still talking about his Wraith covers – and he's the guy to bring that "gamer" feel to Marvel.

IGN Comics: Given the reaction to Conquest, do you think a third space epic is possible? Do the jets need to be cooled with two ongoing books or are things never calm in space?

Rosemann: By the end of Conquest, the Marvel cosmos will be more dangerous and dynamic than ever, so you never know when a massive conflagration will explode once again.

IGN Comics: Our last question before we break – might the Guardians have a familiar cosmic canine in their midst?

Rosemann: Cosmo says "Da!"

Can't wait to see what's in store for the Guardians? Want to know more? Remember that IGN will be back in the very near future with interviews with the entire creative team, including a Behind the Cover feature with Clint Langley! Stay tuned for more, and also tune in this Friday when our "Secret Invasion: Revelations" feature returns for its second installment.